A Thief Surprised

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 52, 9 October 1888, Page 3

A Thief Surprised

• It was night. The star spangled canopy of heaven was closely veiled in dark and heavy clouds, quickly drifting over the city of Wellington. They seemed so near as almost to touch the hill tops, and strong indications of both wind and rain were clearly perceptible in the dark and gloomy aspect of all around. Very few people were about in the streets, and we were just preparing to close our office and retire, when a young man called on us for phrenological advise. He was well built, good-looking, of fair complexion, with blue eyes from which beamed a decided look of iunocence, his appearance possessed all those winning ways most people like ; in fact he was one you would like to shake hands with, talk with, introduce to your family circle, and would be accepted by them as agreeable, witty, good uatured, and harmless. Laughingly he told me be wanted a correct phrenological examination. "It is late," I said, " come again to morrow." He said he was anxious to get it done at once as he was going to leave town. To oblige him I complied with his wish, and the usual process of measuring the head was began, but the fact that the shape of his head gave so strong an indication of a criminal type that I in surprise put away the tape saying. Do you want me to tell you the inclinations of your mind, so that you will know what to guard against ? " Yes certainly," was the reply. I continued. You are living what is considered " a fast life," and are very careless in regard to the future, your present actions are leading you down very much in life, down to ruin and disgrace. In fact, were a policeman to come in here and lay his hands on you, would you be surprised? He jumped up and said he would not hear more, but thinking I could do him some good, I persuaded him to sit down again which he did. I told him his character in detail, told him that his evil propensities were in excess of his moral qualities, which were constantly leading him into criminal actions and unless he " put on the break" and turned to better deeds, he would be lost to society and to a 1 moral influence, that now he could with an effort check himself but so>m it would be too late. When the examination come to an end, he frankly told me that the fact of my mentioning a policeman, startled him very much as he had money in his pocket which he had dishonestly taken from his employer and was about to leave the town, but he would now return it, and if I would tell him how to restrain his bad desires he would do all he could to follow my advise strictly. I said you must avoid all stimulants, low eotupauy, and every thing that has a lowering and debasing teudency. Try to get acquainted with those whose minds and tastes are cultivated and who are morally inclined ; attend regularly to religious duties and place more confidence in the truth of an existence hereafter and those things connected with religion; be also more sensitive upon every point connected with your honor, your character, and your reputation and you are sure to be liked wherever you go. Do not dispond, do not be frightened at any difficulties you may meet. This and much more I told him. Many months afterwards he called in at our office again and he told me that he had strived hard to follow my advice, and although it had been a continual battle against his natural tendencies, yet he was glad to say that his efforts to do right and become morally better, were beginning to be crowned with success. I saw him again a short time ago. He was gradually ascending in the social scale and some day I hope he will take leading position in society as a good man. Instead of continuing on the road that leads to destruction, he has taken the one that leads to peace, happiness and success. C.W.B. , . '.